Golf game projector

Abstract

An indoor golf game to display scenes representing perspective views of any one of a plurality of different locations on any one of a plurality of different holes on a golf course. The system also includes a ball spot projector for projecting a spot of light on the projected scene in a manner to simulate the trajectory and diminishing appearance of a golf ball in flight.

We claim: 
     
       1. In a golf game having a screen on which scenes from various locations on a golf course hole may be displayed along with a visual representation of the flight of a golf ball, a modular projection means comprising: (1) a scene projector including storage means for storing film including a plurality of scenes depicting the view from various locations on a golf course hole;   (2) a projection station including a light source at which a selected scene may be disposed for projection by the light source on a screen;   (3) selection means for selecting a desired one of the scenes and locating the same at the projection station;   (4) a ball flight display unit including optical means associated with said light source for generating a spot of light, the optical means includes a pair of elements having a surface of revolution each having a groove of semicircular cross section in said surface of revolution with the cross section of each groove varying in radius along its length and means mounting said elements for common rotation about spaced axes and in contact with each other so that said grooves define said spot of light and so the size of the spot of light may be varied by rotating said elements; and,   (5) means adapted to be controlled by a computer for projecting said spot of light to a desired location on the screen.   
     
     
       2. The modular projection means of claim 1 wherein said light source includes light generating means, and a reflector partially surrounding said light generating means for reflecting light to a scene at said projecting station, said reflector including a small light transmitting portion; said optical means being operatively associated with said light transmitting portion. 
     
     
       3. The modular projecting means of claim 1 wherein said spot projecting means comprises a mirror mounted for universal movement and means for moving said mirror about two differing axes.